AliousAbdoulaye Doucoure, speaking after Everton’s 1-1 draw against Leicester City, which marked their first Premier League point of the season, expressed surprise at comparisons between himself and new teammate Iliman Ndiaye. Despite initial expectations that Ndiaye would compete for Doucoure’s advanced midfield role, the Senegalese international has primarily been used as a left winger. Doucoure praised Ndiaye’s versatility and skill, emphasizing their different playing styles and dismissing notions of competition between them.
Doucoure also discussed his own positional flexibility, having played deeper alongside Orel Mangala in the Leicester match. He reflected on his experience in various midfield roles throughout his career, including his time at Watford, and expressed his commitment to adapting to wherever the manager needs him.
The midfielder acknowledged a challenging start to his personal season, having been dropped from the starting lineup for two previous matches. However, he welcomed the increased competition within the squad, citing it as beneficial for the team’s overall performance and the manager’s tactical options.
Doucoure expressed hope that this first point could be a turning point for Everton after four consecutive defeats. He believed the team should have won the game but recognized the importance of securing a result. He highlighted the team’s improved performance, reduced defensive vulnerabilities, and the collective fighting spirit displayed during the match.
Lastly, Doucoure commented on the unusual weather conditions during the game, describing the torrential rain and thunderstorm as a unique and challenging experience in his career, affecting visibility and player movement on the pitch.
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